Improvement in corn-husking implements



E. R. RATE. Oorn-Husking Implement.

No. 204,451. Patented June 4,1878.

F2 1511 8,428,35 fluent 0r N, PErERS. PHOTOUTHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON n 2v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD F. RATE, OF CEDAR BLUFF, IOWA.

IMPROVEMENT IN CORN-HUSKING IMPLEMENTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 204,451, dated June 4, 1878; application filed February 19, 1677.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD F. RATE, of Cedar Bluff, Cedar county, State of Iowa, have invented new and useful Improvements in Corn-Huskers, of which the following is a full description, reference being had to the accompanyin g drawings, in which Figure 1 is an elevation, showing my device on a hand as when in use. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the husking-pin secured to a strap. Fig. 3 is a side or edge view of the pin removed from the strap. Fig. 4 is a cross-section at w of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-section at y of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is an edge view of thestrap to which the pin is secured.

My invention consists in the peculiar form of the pin, as described, and in providing it with a curved portion to pass over one finger and aid in holding the pin in proper position, the pin being secured to a strap, and designed to be used with a cot fitting the thumb and forefinger.

In the drawings, A represents the whole pin. Its lower end a is broad and curved, as shown in section in Fig. 5. b is a prong or finger, extending out from a at a small angle thereto. It, too, is curved, as shown in Fig. 4. in cross-section. The end is somewhat hooked or bill-shaped, as shown in Fig. 3. c is a broad hook, adapted to fit over the second or third finger, to aid in keeping the husker in position. B is a leather strap, to which the husker A is secured, preferably, by means of rivets. It is designed to receive three fingers, as shown in Fig. 1, leaving the first finger free. 0 is a cot or sheath for the thumb and first finger. d is a metal plate provided with prongs, which is secured to the inside of the thumb. The cot (l is provided withastrap, e, by means of which it is secured to the hand.

In use, the husker A is to be placed upon the hand, as shown in Fig. 1, leaving the first finger free, though, if desired, the first and second fingers may be left out of the strap B. The hook c performs an important office in connection with the strap, and aids materially in keeping the husker in place.

The construction and form of this husker are such that the finger I) always stands in the proper position to do its work, and the point can be brought into contact with the husk of an ear more easily than is the case with huskers constructed in the usual manner.

The placing of the husking-pin A upon the second, third, and little finger gives not merely greater space for the ear between the thumb and the husking-pin, but also greater freedom of movement, owing to the anatomical structure of the hand, and hence permits greater accuracyand swiftness of Work, without wearying the hand, since these fingers and the thumb can close directly upon each other, instead of obliquely, as must be the case with the indexfinger. Theindex-finger isleft free to grasp and steady the ear, which further facilitates the operation.

In order to permit the free use of the index finger, the finger b is bent at an angle inward.

The plate d protects the inside of the thumb of the cot from wear, and the prongs thereon perform their usual office.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

The withindescribed husking implement, consisting of the huskin g-pin A, adapted to be worn upon the outer fingers of the hand, and provided with the finger b, bent at an angle inward, and extending beyond the indexfinger, in combination with the cot or shield U, substantially as set forth.

EDWARD F. RATE.

Witnesses:

H. C. CARR, N. O. MILLHOUSE. 

